The Samsung Galaxy S25 series launch feels like just yesterday. Yet, the tech world is already buzzing with anticipation for the next generation: the Galaxy S26 lineup. While concrete details remain scarce, we’re taking this opportunity to outline our wishlist for the 2026 flagship phones, expected to arrive in January. From design overhauls to enhanced features, here’s what we hope to see from Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series.
Early Galaxy S26 Rumors and Leaks
Predictably, rumors surrounding the Galaxy S26 are still limited, but we expect a steady stream of leaks as we approach the launch. Early reports suggest a potential return to a dual-processor strategy. Like previous generations (excluding the S25), Samsung might utilize a combination of Qualcomm Snapdragon and its in-house Exynos chips, varying by region. This diversifies Samsung’s supply chain, but historically, Exynos chips haven’t matched Qualcomm’s performance, raising concerns about potential disparity in the S26 lineup.
Another rumor hints at a camera system revamp, possibly replacing the S25 Ultra’s 10MP 3x telephoto lens with a new sensor. While the 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP 5x telephoto cameras are expected to carry over, this fourth sensor introduces an element of intrigue. Samsung has a history of iteratively upgrading its Ultra cameras, as seen with the S25 Ultra’s enhanced ultrawide and the S22 Ultra’s groundbreaking 200MP main sensor.
Other more speculative rumors include improved battery technology, faster wired charging, advanced face scanning akin to Apple’s Face ID, a slimmer profile, and a brighter display. However, these remain unconfirmed for now.
Our Galaxy S26 Wishlist: Improvements We Hope For
While it’s too early to confirm any of these features, we’re sharing our hopes for the Galaxy S26 series. We believe these enhancements would significantly improve user experience and solidify Samsung’s position in the premium smartphone market.
Enhanced Charging for Standard Models
Improved charging speeds for the base Galaxy S26 models should be a priority. Upgrading both wired and wireless charging would significantly enhance usability. Faster wired charging would minimize downtime, providing quick power boosts during busy days or emergencies. Similarly, enhanced wireless charging offers a more convenient, cable-free experience.
Across-the-Board Camera Upgrades
Samsung Galaxy S25 standing on a table.
Camera improvements are an annual expectation for flagship smartphones, especially from industry leaders like Samsung and Apple. However, these upgrades often focus on the premium models, leaving the standard versions with incremental changes. We hope Samsung breaks this trend with the S26, delivering substantial camera improvements across the entire lineup. Considering the high price of even entry-level smartphones, significant camera advancements are a reasonable expectation.
Farewell to the Plus Model
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus.
With the anticipated arrival of the Galaxy S25 Edge and Apple’s rumored iPhone Air, both companies are exploring new form factors. While Apple is reportedly replacing the iPhone Plus with the Air, Samsung is expanding its lineup with the Edge. This raises questions about the future of the Galaxy S Plus. Ideally, Samsung should streamline its offerings by eliminating the Plus model from the S26 series. This would allow them to focus resources on the remaining models and avoid market fragmentation.
A Significant Design Refresh
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
While familiarity can be comforting, a fresh design can reinvigorate a product line. The Galaxy S series hasn’t seen a major design overhaul since the S21, nearly five years ago. It’s time for a change, particularly for the flagship S26 Ultra. Samsung could draw inspiration from the S25 Edge, while still creating a unique identity for the Ultra. A bold design statement would set the S26 apart and demonstrate Samsung’s commitment to innovation.
Making Galaxy AI More Practical
Photo editing on Galaxy S25.
Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite has shown promise, but its practical application needs refinement. For the S26, we hope to see a more streamlined and intuitive Galaxy AI experience. Features like Circle to Search demonstrate the potential, but others, like Live Translate during calls and Generative Edit for photos, could benefit from improvement or removal to enhance overall usability.
Anticipating the Galaxy S26 Launch
Following recent trends, we expect the Galaxy S26 series to debut in January or February 2026, likely at a Galaxy Unpacked event. While we wait for official announcements, the rumor mill will continue to churn. We eagerly anticipate learning more about Samsung’s next flagship offering.
